Casey James: American Idol Jailbird

When Casey James auditioned for American Idol in Denver, he was asked to remove his shirt. The judges, especially Kara DioGuardi and Victoria Beckham, wanted to take a close look at this contestant.

If only producers had done the same.

Radar Online reports that James has a criminal background and has actually served time in county jail. His offenses include: driving while intoxicated, driving with an invalid license and reckless driving.

In November 2001, the aspiring singer pled guilty to reckless driving, was fined $200 and spent 30 days in jail.

Then, in December 2002, he was arrested for DUI and operating a vehicle with an invalid license. He pled guilty again and was sentenced to 105 total days in jail.

Does this make Casey a bad person? Of course not. But you'd think American Idol would avoid featuring any contestant with a criminal record, even if he does have a body that DioGuardi and Beckham openly swooned over.

James isn't the only rumored semifinalist with a scandalous past. Todrick Hall came under fire a few years ago for possibly scamming a few families out of thousands of dollars.

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FOXY•May 20, 2010 18:09

NOW WE KNOW WHY CASEY DID NOT WIN. IS IT POSSIBLE THIS VISIT IN JAIL MADE A DIFFERENCE? HE WILL DO WELL AND CONTINUE TO BECOME A GREAT STAR. PLEASE LOOK AT THE REPUTATION OF SOME OF OUR OUTSTANDING STARS TODAY. I REST MY CASE. ONLY IN AMERICA DO QUALIFIED AND GOOD PEOPLE GET A SECOND CHANGE. YOU GO CASEY AND WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR SECOND MILLION...DONATE TO IMPROVE THE JAIL YOU WERE IN AND TELL YOUR STORY TO ALL AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY.

Jennifer•May 20, 2010 16:32

Did AI know about Casey's arrest record and DUI when he auditioned?

Gerianne•May 20, 2010 15:18

Casey...you are awesome...Crystal should've gone home! I hope you make a CD really soon so that your fans can buy it.

LM•May 20, 2010 14:47

I congratulate Casey for turning his life around. It appears that Casey was quite young when this happened. I believe in second chances and starting over. It's not like he robbed people or something, he just made a foolish decision to drink and drive. I hope he learned his lesson, becaus this man has exceptional talent. I would buy his CD and go to his concerts. Watching his youtube videos of his hometown visit were really impressive. He should be competing for the number one spot. The wrong person went home yesterday.

Kim•May 20, 2010 01:22

I'm sorry Casey. I was really pulling for you! Please please please make a CD so that I can buy it and enjoy yrs of Casey songs that fill my heart with joy! :) Your voice is so soulful and I love it!

Janice•May 19, 2010 12:22

I think Casey James is a good pick.............has all the right things............talented guitar, great voice, poise, good looking..........the other two are missing several ingredients.........................I know many younger people, including my stepson that had been pulled for alcohol..........it is ok for people to smoke pot - but let's jump all over somebody who drinks and drives.

precy v.quinto•May 19, 2010 03:29

casey james has the x factor an agent is looking for.the packaging is already there.just alittle polishing and he will make it to hollywood.don't you notice his resemblance to renee who's also from texas(renee selweiger).he's got the looks!i have a big feeling he will be the next american idol.GOOD LUCK CASEY!

Randy•May 18, 2010 21:18

Kasey,I found some of the comments my wife made during Idol tonight actually making alot of sense. Your looks and voice fit with Michael Boltin's soulful style. No matter what happens on Idol, you should seriously consider moving this direction as an artist.Best of luck,

Deb•May 18, 2010 11:40

I live in Mineral Wells Tx,just a few miles from Casey, Casey is not a dead beat dad, he don't even have any kids lady.